Running a Linux distribution from a USB stick requires the fastest possible speed. Inexpensive flash drives, while technically "USB 3.1β, are so slow that they are slower than even mechanical platter hard drives in both reading and writing. That's why I bought this.
Sandisk Ultra Flair 128 GB Silver USB Flash Drive: Reliable and High-Speed Storage
65 Review
Compact and Convenient: SanDisk Cruzer Fit USB 32GB Flash Drive (SDCZ33-032G-A11)
66 Review
32GB SanDisk USB Flash Drive (SDCZ430-032G-A46)
78 Review
Samsung BAR Plus 128GB - High-Speed USB 3.1 Flash Drive Titan Gray (MUF-128BE4/AM)
67 Review
18 TB External HDD Western Digital WD Elements Desktop, USB 3.0, black
95 Review
2 TB External HDD Western Digital WD Elements Portable (WDBU), USB 3.0, black
84 Review
π Seagate Expansion 3TB Portable USB 3.0 External Hard Drive (STEA3000400) in Black
60 Review
2 TB External HDD ADATA DashDrive Durable HD650, USB 3.2 Gen 1, Blue
55 Review